[Ragtop Man]

On a scale of one to $#%$#% this, how hard is it to rebuild the PS box in my '67 with the innards from a piece of yard art that came with an engine deal a long time ago?

Guessing there are some specialized tools, and some YT video to study...

But, if I could pocket some of the $$$ that would go elsewhere, and not have to mess around with hoses/adapters, etc. that would be a win.

Thanks in advance, as always.

[73T/A]

Last year I replaced my leaking original gear box in my 70 GTO with a replacement box.I did not like the feel of the new box.The steering had a lot heavier feel more like a power assist vs power steering.I then sent my original box to Turn One steering in Saginaw,MI.I opted for there stock rebuild service.Car now has its original road feel and steering characteristics back. Price was not cheap at $544 but worth it to me with too many projects.Back to your question I’m sure you could do it yourself though.

[steve25]

This site sponsore ( Ames performance) has a rebuilt gear box for $309 and you also need there 40 buck coupler.

This gear box is a faster ratio.
3 turns lock to lock instead of the stock 4 turns.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Think you can just swap the Aluminum 4-Bolt Cover.

[steve25]

Huh?!

[Formulas]

Lock to lock is not a direct indication of ratios... To understand imagine locks on your rear tires so they cant turn 360 all you can do is fwd and reverse to bump lock, you still have ratios in the gearing that can change.

Locks are for travel restriction, Ratios are input vrs output

[mgarblik]

If you like doing things yourself, you can certainly rebuild the steering gear yourself. Aside from usual hand tools, these extra tools will help allot. 1. a seal puller and or long punch to help remove pitman shaft seals. 2. a spanner wrench for bearing preload adjustment. 3. an inch lb. torque wrench for rotational drag measurements. 4. A pilot shaft you can make from dowel rod or a broom handle to hold the balls in the rack block. 5. A factory service manual has step by step instructions for the rebuild.

As for interchangeable parts, I can't say for sure. In the late 70's, early 80's, GM changed all the internal dimensions on the Saginaw 800 gear. They went to ISO flare fittings, a pressed on steering pump pulley vs bolt on. When they made these changes, many internal parts were also changed to metric dimensions. You need to verify all the parts used are from the same generation of components.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Why not just use the 77 T/A box entirely, and as-is ( if the Pitman shaft doesn't wiggle)?

[Bruce Meyer]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

Why not just use the 77 T/A box entirely, and as-is ( if the Pitman shaft doesn't wiggle)?

The internal stops are different. The T/A,s had a longer pitman arm than the GTO.s. Your turning radius will be limited.

[AG]

Yes it will. I put a 1979 WS6 steering box in my '65 and the turning radius was decreased. I didn't care because the steering felt so good and it was 2.5 turns lock to lock and cost me $25.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by 73T/A

Last year I replaced my leaking original gear box in my 70 GTO with a replacement box.I did not like the feel of the new box.The steering had a lot heavier feel more like a power assist vs power steering.

It's funny, I prefer a heavier feel vs the super light, effortless feeling of early power steering.

[scott70]

I had my 70 gto original box rebuilt because I liked the feel of it. I like the variable box where it’s quick at first and then tapers the farther you turn it.

[Half-Inch Stud]

My favorite 68 PS mod was to install a 69-72 PS box, throw the 68 PS box in the creek.

Along the way, i might have got a 79 T/A box and found limited turning in a 69 Bird. (Insight from Bruce post above).

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by Bruce Meyer

The internal stops are different. The T/A,s had a longer pitman arm than the GTO.s. Your turning radius will be limited.

The stop(s) can be remedied.

IIRC #2 here is the endcap stop. If you remove the snap ring it pops off and you may be able to swap endcaps with your old box, giving your original swing back. I did this years ago with a 1986 IROC box in a 1966 442 - worked well. You also may be able to do this while the box is still bolted up to the frame.

You will need to recenter the Pitman.

[73T/A]

Originally Posted by 72projectbird

It's funny, I prefer a heavier feel vs the super light, effortless feeling of early power steering.

Yep,steering feel is all subject to the user.I can’t fault the box as it worked with no leaks and was a direct bolt in no adapters needed for lines etc.It was Cardone 27-6509 remanufactured unit.I preferred the feel of the original box.I also lost some turning radius.My 70 GTO has the optional PWR STRG-VAR code 501 according to the PHS.I prefer that lighter one finger steering wheel turn and my turning radius back with the original box.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Did Ragman leave the chat soon after posting?